Ayoub’s Dried Fruit and Nuts – North Vancouver, BC

Along Lonsdale in North Vancouver’s Little Iran, is a seemingly non-descript dried fruit and nut shop called Ayoub’s. The green awning and the oddly chosen typography of its brand belie what is inside the store.

Ayoub’s interior is a caricature of opulence – crystal chandeliers, marble, and trimmed out cabinetry adorn the store and its displays. The product, however, is undeniably good albeit pricier than the nearby competition. You can get high quality nuts, dried fruits of all kinds, fruit preserves, halva, loukum (Turkish delight).

If there is one recommendation I can make – try their signature nut: the Angelica Spiced Brazil nut which is displayed at the front counter. The juniper-like flavour of the Angelica root and the tartness of lime juice used to prepare the nut makes it a perfect pairing with a cold lager on a hot summer’s day.